Safety is paramount during any construction, remodeling or demolition. It is a requirement that all the necessary safety precautions must be observed to protect lives. Safety also means having the correct equipment for the project. Taking safety precautions should be normal practice on every construction or demolition site. The contractor must take every step to ensure everyone around the site is safe, failure to do so would lead to fatal accidents.
The following are some of the most critical safety precaution measures for demolition projects:Proper Equipment
All the technicians on the demolition site must be familiar with the entire demolition process irrespective of their field of expertise. They must also have the right equipment and knowledge to use them effectively. Everyone on site must also have the appropriate protective gear from boots, face mask, gloves etc. and wear them as required. These measures will ensure all the people on the demolition site are safe and prevent unnecessary accidents and injuries.
Final sweep
Do not commence the demolition until a final sweep has been done. Check all the rooms, closets, hallways etc. to ensure nobody is left behind and all the valuable stuff have been removed from the building. Everyone should be at a safe distance beyond the reach of any falling debris before the demolition starts to prevent injuries. The demolition site must be protected at all times to prevent any authorized persons from gaining access. One person should be in charge of conducting the final sweep and everyone must report to him or her. The demolition can only commence once whoever is in-charge gives the go ahead.
Skilled and experienced staff
Demolition is a dangerous job that should only be handled by qualified, skilled and experienced personnel. The use of explosives and removal of hazardous compounds such as asbestos or lead requires professional and experienced teams. The staff must be highly trained to be able to handle explosives and other dangerous compounds. Proper training and experience of the personnel can help to prevent fatal accidents on site.
Reinforce the structure
For the safety of personnel gaining access into the building, it is vital to reinforce the structure such as the roof and walkways to prevent injuries or fatalities from site accidents.
Debris Removal
After the demolition is complete the debris must be cleared from the site. All the personnel must wear the necessary protective gear while removing debris from the demolition site. These include boots, gloves and face mask to safeguard themselves. During the removal of debris only authorized personnel should be allowed near the site. The process of clearing debris is extremely dangerous, the safety measures ensure nobody gets hurt.
The safety of a construction or demolition site is the most vital aspect. Safety precautions are necessary when undertaking any project no matter how small. Take the necessary safety measures and protect the lives of personnel and everyone else near the demolition site.

Do you have a demolition project that requires a professional demolition contractor? Finding an expert demolition contractor with the experience in controlled demolition can be a challenge. Identifying a professional contractor from an inexperienced one is not the obvious.
We have outlined a few tips to help you select the most professional demolition contractor:
Prior to settling on a demolition contractor, you must come up with a full list of your project requirements. If you have a good idea of specifically what you need then finding the best contractor for the project should be a walk in the park.
The following are the different types of services offered by demolition contractors:Total/Partial Demolition
Total or complete demolition involves bringing down the whole structure to the ground level. On the other hand, partial demolition involves breaking down only a section of the building.Implosion
Explosive demolition is a demolition service for larger structures. Collapsing a building by imploding the structure requires an experienced contractor.Asbestos Removal
Asbestos abatement is a risky process that should only be done by a licensed asbestos removal contractor. Asbestos is extremely toxic and is found in older buildings.Environmental Remediation
Cleanup of the environment is an unavoidable part of the demolition project to rid the site of toxic elements.Debris Removal
Clearing the demolition site of debris will prevent unnecessary accidents and pollution of the environment. Debris removal is an important service offered by most professional demolition contractors.
So, how do you determine that a demolition contractor is qualified and professional?
Well, after coming up with a full project requirement list, you can begin assessing the numerous proposals from the demolition contractors interested in the project.
The following are some of the important details you should look out for:Licensing and Insurance
Demolition projects can turn tragic if not handled by a qualified contractor. Most jurisdictions require that a demolition contractor is licensed and have insurance. Some of the sensitive materials handled by demolition contractors such as explosives require permissions from the authorities. A licensed contractor has met all the requirements and is certified. Demolitions being risky, must be insured to cover any liability in case of accidents.
Skill and Experience
A demolition contractor with the right equipment, skills and experience must have successfully conducted various demolition projects previously. Demolishing a building using explosives requires a contractor with a high level of professionalism and experience. The ability of the contractor to determine what techniques will work best, based on previous projects makes experience a valuable factor in selecting a demolition expert.
Rates
Obtain several quotes from the demolition experts interested in the project within your locality. It is about selecting the cheapest rates but the most reasonable with guaranteed best quality outcomes. The highest rates do not necessarily translate to a great job. Do a background on the contractor and get reviews from previous satisfied or disgruntled clients to learn their experience. If you have trouble deciding then always go for the most renowned, experienced and trusted contractor. Winnipeg Demolition is one of the most respected demolition companies in Winnipeg, and we guarantee you won’t be disappointed if you choose to work with us.

There comes a time when a building must be brought down. Whether it is a residential or commercial building demolition at some point in time will be inevitable. When a building becomes unsafe either due to structural weakness or aging then you should consult a demolition contractor. Selecting the right and professional demolition contractor is the initial and most important step in conducting a successful demolition. The demolition process will only begin once you have selected the most qualified and experienced demolition contractor.
Determine your Requirements
Building demolition is a complex process that is determined by various factors. There are various demolition techniques suitable for different demolition projects. A professional demolition contractor will determine the scope and requirements of your demolition project before formulating a plan.
Formulating the Plan
A plan will be formulated after determining the requirements of your demolition project. The plan will detail the demolition techniques to be applied along with the equipment. The objective of the plan is to ensure the building is demolished successfully using the safest methods without exceeding the budget. The plan will depend on the size of the structure, the materials used to build it, the scope of the demolition as well the building location. Some of the demolition techniques to use include implosion, deconstruction, partial demolition as well as the traditional excavator.
Once a plan has been formulated the demolition contractor will know the technique, equipment required, the estimated cost, expected amount of debris and how it be cleared from the site and the time required to clean up the site. A demolition plan will also include a contingency plan.
Obtaining Permits
You must obtain the necessary permits from the local authorities before embarking on a demolition project. The impact of bringing down a building and removing it completely from the site will not only change the landscape but also affect property values and taxes within the area. Once you have gone over and settled on the plan, the contractor must now obtain all the required permits to make sure all the legal requirements have been met and it is within the law to proceed with the demolition.
Site Preparation
After the local authorities have given you the green light to begin demolition by providing all the required it is now time to prepare the demolition site. Regardless of the size of the demolition project, you must prepare the site. Make sure the building is thoroughly cleared and all the utilities such as electricity, water and gas have been cut completely. Inspect the building for hazardous compounds like asbestos and lead, ensure they are handled by the experts. Any materials that can be recycled or reused should also be carefully removed without damaging them. A professional demolition contractor must carry out site preparation.
Plan execution
Finally, all the permits are in order and the site has been prepared, now set aside a date and time for the demolition. Viewing the demolition in progress is fascinating indeed. The skill and coordination that is involved in bringing down a building is simply mind blowing. Demolition gives room for fresh ideas in building and construction.

The first step in demolishing a house is finding a licensed and bonded demolition contractor to remove the structure. Ensure the estimates from the contractor specify everything including obtaining necessary permits for the job.

House Inspection

Demolitions need to be carried out in a safe working environment, therefore inspecting the house for hazardous materials is a critical first step. Materials such as asbestos and lead paint must be carefully removed following the correct remediation procedures. Some demolition companies will subcontract such services to environmental experts.

Get in touch with your utility suppliers to disconnect the water, sewer, gas and electricity from the house.

Before bringing down the house work closely with your demolition contractor to identify the recyclable materials that can be put to better use.

Demolition

The house demolition can last for a day or more depending on the complexity. Demolishing a house requires heavy machinery such as a giant hydraulic excavator to bring down the house and collect the debris and load onto a truck or dumpster for hauling.

Get rid of all the rubble and clean up the site. A clean site means that all the dirt has been eliminated including the foundation of the house.

If the new building is supposed to come on the exact spot then the demolition company can utilize the same heavy machinery to get the site ready for the new structure. Your demolition company can handle all the excavation required for the rebuilding of the house.

Normally demolition services are charged per square feet. The cost will vary depending on the complexity and specific requirements of the demolition project. Through a demolition company, you can reliably determine the estimated cost demolishing a house. Get a specific estimate from a number of demolition contractor regarding the cost of the house demolition.

Obtaining a Permit

Before you embark on demolishing a house you must obtain the essential permits. These permits may differ from one state to another. There are certain regulations regarding house demolitions concerned with debris, noise, pollution and other notifications. Ensure the contractor you hire is aware of the regulations and permits for your state.

Hazardous Materials

The demolition company you hire must be aware of the regulations regarding hazardous materials such as asbestos and lead paint. Most local authorities demand that inspection for hazardous materials has to be carried before a demolition. Removing hazardous materials must be done following the right procedures. The demolition company you have hired may subcontract these services to environmental experts.

Deconstruction

Deconstruction costs much more and takes much longer since everything is done manually to salvage as much material from the house as possible. It involves a much larger crew and recovers more recyclable materials such as glass, doors, tubs, pipes, sinks, and other fixtures. Compared to demolition that can be done by an excavator deconstruction is more labor intensive and will cost almost three times more.

Getting an estimate from more than one Demolition Company will help you understand whether you are getting a fair cost. However, do not be too quick to accept the lowest estimate go for the best value which includes a fair price and other qualifications such as insurance, license, and reviews. Choosing the right demolition company is critical since demolition errors can cause serious potential dangers.

Demolition is perhaps the most thrilling and quick stage of construction. It takes one or two days to completely demolish a home and clear it from the site. A demolition process for a complete remodel would last almost a week. In as much as demolition is messy and quick, it is not entirely unsophisticated and mindless. There is a lot you need to know about the process of demolition. Lack of a proper plan and strategy before starting demolition could result in the loss of both time and money.
Here are some of the demolition basics from our own experience we thought you should know about:
1. Demolition is not a DIY task
Never attempt a demolition by yourself, however, simple or affordable it appears. A demolition is a complex process much like a surgical procedure. A professional demolition team would know what to demolish and what to keep.
2. Talk to your Neighbors
There is going to be some noise and a bit of mess so it would be nice to talk to your neighbors and seek not only their understanding but also their patience. Sharing a bottle of wine with your neighbors will go a long way.
3. Adhere to the regulations and obtain your permits
It is not easy to hide a demolition site. Your neighbors along with the building inspectors will be able to notice the conspicuous dumpster on your driveway or honey bucket in your yard.
4. Asbestos violation is serious
If your demolition project involves asbestos removal ensure you follow the regulations regarding asbestos handling to avoid your site being shut down. There are procedures for asbestos removal that must be followed and they may not be the same for every jurisdiction.
5. Move out during house demolition
The last thing you want to do is to try to stay behind during your house demolition. There is bound to be a lot of mess and dust which might be bad for allergies. It could be the best time to take a vacation.
6. You might demolish more than anticipated
Once you open up the house you might realize that the demolition may be twice what you had initially planned.
7. Strip the entire walls
Stripping down the walls for a major remodel uncovers all the bizarre stuff concealed in the wall cavities from the previous DIY remodels. A demolition can reveal the lack of proper wall insulation and suspicious electrical wiring.
8. Pay attention to experience
An experienced demolition contractor probably knows his stuff so you should take heed of their advice.
9. Have a contingency budget
During a demolition project, you should be prepared for any unexpected events. There are so many things that could go wrong during a demolition process that would require a contingency budget.
10. Reuse and Recycle
The materials that result from a demolition project can be reused and recycled. Some of these items can be sold to raise money for your construction.

House construction is costly but what can be equally costly is demolition. Both demolition and construction companies will confirm the same. Prior to undertaking a house demolition ensure you factor in the cost otherwise, the whole project could halt midway. The demolition company you hire should be able to give you a proper cost estimate.

The cost of demolishing your house will depend on the following factors:

Demolition Technique

There are numerous techniques for demolishing a house. The cost of each technique varies from one to another. For instance tearing down a house using explosives is much less costly compared to knocking down a building using a wrecking ball held up on a crane.

Building Size

A large building will need more time, specialized equipment and a much bigger labor force to bring it down compared to a smaller one. These factors will definitely lead to an increase in the cost of demolition.

Demolition Scope

Your demolition project may involve a section of your house, structures or the entire building. The size of the building will determine the cost of the demolition. For instance, if you are only demolishing the swimming pool the cost will differ from demolishing the whole house.

Building Materials

The cost of the demolition will also be influenced largely by the materials used to build the structure. Demolishing a house made of wood will be a lot cheaper compared to demolishing one constructed using hard concrete blocks.

Clearing Debris

There will be a lot of debris after demolition. Confirm with the demolition company you hire whether the estimate includes handling of debris and cleanup. Hauling of the debris may come at an additional cost.

Hazardous materials

The presence of hazardous materials such as asbestos and lead paint in your building will increase the cost of the demolition. These materials make the site risky to operate in and require a lot of precaution, expertise and special equipment to handle during demolition. Inhaling asbestos or lead compounds are harmful to health and will require professionals specialized in handling those materials. This is important for the safety of the demolition personnel, the client, and the community.

Ease of access

The accessibility of the site will also influence the cost of the demolition. If the site is hard to access it will lead to increased cost for transporting equipment to site safely.

Labor Force

The number of people required to demolish your building will determine the cost of the demolition. This should include those involved in the clearing of debris from the site.

Demolition of a house can be a costly project to undertake. However, one of the most important things for every demolition project is safety. Finding a reputable, efficient and expert demolition company is a critical step in conducting a safe and successful demolition.

It is a big dilemma sometimes whether to renovate or demolish a building. Demolition is less expensive compared to renovation but it is not necessarily the best option.

After buying an old house, you may be undecided whether to fix it or demolish the whole structure and start afresh. There is also the option of partial demolition to take down certain sections of the house and rebuild them while retaining the other parts of the main house.

These factors outlined below will help you decide whether to renovate or demolish:

Cost

Is it cheaper to renovate or demolish?

If the structural integrity of the current house is poor, then demolishing and constructing a new building will be much cheaper compared to restoring the old structure.

There are situations where fixing major structural problems, finding the correct materials to upgrade an outdated house to be energy efficient and improve the general quality can be extremely costly, complex, time-consuming and require a large workforce. There is also the probability of exposing even much bigger structural problems along the way.

If the existing house design is one of a kind and you feel like not letting go then if the structural integrity is sound, you can work do a major renovation which in this case would much more cost effective and environmentally friendly. It is important that you carefully plan and understand all it takes and have a flexible budget.

For protected houses demolition is not an option since such houses are protected under law. Any modifications made on protected houses must be under the scrutiny of local authorities who maintain the heritage of the area.

What to demolish or retain

As long the structural integrity of the house is sound the major modifications you will make to upgrade the current house will involve fixing replacing the old and non-functional things in the home.

Bringing down walls to create extended living spaces is a great way to kick off. For instance, an open plan layout for a kitchen and dining area is a popular home remodeling design. Discuss with your contractor about the possibility of bringing down some walls without affecting the fundamental structure of the house. Other areas to consider for demolition include installing large windows to bring in more light and improve energy efficiency. Bathrooms and kitchens are key areas for renovation from floors to ceilings.

The huge advantage of renovating over demolition and building afresh is that it can be done in phases while you still have a place to live in. However choosing to stay during renovations may also increase the cost therefore sometimes you may be forced to seek an alternative accommodation during renovations.

Salvaging or recycling materials from a demolition or renovation is a great way of recovering some of the costs incurred in the process.

Before you decide to demolish or renovate make sure that you have an expert contractor inspect your house and verify that it is structurally sound.